🔍 Definition & Meaning
Genitals (noun, plural) /ˈdʒen.ɪ.təlz/ are the external sex organs of a person.
They include the parts involved in sexual activity, reproduction, and urination.
- Male genitals: penis, scrotum, testicles
- Female genitals: vulva, clitoris, labia, vaginal opening
🔹 Pronunciation
/ˈdʒen.ɪ.təlz/
(“JEN-ih-tlz”)
🔹 Grammatical Formation
- Plural noun (there is no commonly used singular form)
- Often appears with articles or possessives: the genitals, his/her genitals
🔹 Simple Explanation
Genitals are the body parts you are born with that help with sex, having babies, and urinating. Both males and females have different kinds of genitals.
🔹 Real-Life Examples
- Children should learn the correct names for their genitals.
- Some STIs affect the genitals directly.
- The doctor examined the genitals for signs of infection.
🔹 Common Collocations
- male/female genitals
- external genitals
- swollen genitals
- protect the genitals
- genital pain/infection
- genital hygiene
- genital anatomy
🔹 Idiomatic Usage & Expressions
The term genitals is used medically and formally. It is not commonly found in idioms, but may appear in legal, educational, and health contexts.
Slang alternatives are often used in casual or vulgar speech but are not appropriate in formal writing.
🔹 Prepositions & Contextual Usage
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| injury to the genitals | He suffered an injury to the genitals during the game. |
| infection of the genitals | An STI can cause infection of the genitals. |
| visible on the genitals | Rashes visible on the genitals may indicate a condition. |
🔹 Word Comparison Table
| Term | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Genitals | External sex organs | Includes penis or vulva |
| Reproductive organs | Organs used to produce offspring | Can include internal organs too |
| Gonads | Organs producing sex cells (testes/ovaries) | Related to hormones and gametes |
| Private parts | Euphemism for genitals | Informal, often used with children |
🔹 Synonyms
sex organs, reproductive organs, private parts, external genitalia
🔹 Antonyms
non-reproductive organs, internal organs (contextual), asexual traits
🔹 Related Terms
penis, vulva, vagina, clitoris, scrotum, testicles, labia, gonads, reproductive system, sex characteristics
🔹 Connection to Sexuality
Genitals are directly connected to sexuality. They play a major role in sexual function, pleasure, and biological reproduction. Understanding the anatomy and proper terminology supports sexual health and education.